Body cast for the human body

ABSTRACT

An apparatus comprising a support wrap. The support wrap including at least an upper portion, the upper portion of said the support wrap having a first side extending along a first direction by a first length, the upper portion of said the support wrap having a second side extending along a second direction by a second length, the upper portion of said the support wrap having a third side extending along a third direction by a third length, the first direction is in a different direction than the second direction, the first direction is in a different direction than the third direction, the first length being greater than the second length, the first length being greater than the third length, the upper portion including a first upper fastening member, and said first upper fastening member capable of fastening said first side to said second side.

CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation Application of and claims the benefitof priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/642,326 filed on Jul.5, 2017, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/642,326 claims the benefitsof U.S. provisional application No. 62/358,282, filed Jul. 5, 2016 andentitled LABEL PROTECTIVE CLOSURE FOR BODY CAST AND ACCESSING PATIENTINFORMATION, which the entire contents of provisional application andthe entire contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/642,326 areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system and method fordonning and labeling a body cast enables a body cast to be donned andlabeled, so as to provide support and protection for the body and enableaccess to patient information directly from the body cast. More so, asystem and method for donning and labeling a body cast provides aprotective body cast that forms padded protection around the lower torsoand legs of a bedridden patient; and especially around the hip, buttock,and lower extremity pressure points; whereby the body cast includes amulti-layered enclosing cloth support wrap that is fabricated from ananomaterial, an inner surface having padding, and at least oneauxiliary padding that detachably attaches to the body cast foradditional padding; whereby at least one label detachably attaches tothe lower portion of the support wrap for indicating informationpertinent to the patient; and whereby the label is easily accessible toa caregiver for reading and marking directly on the bedridden patient.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specificaspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts,or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educatethe reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to beconstrued as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof,to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

Typically, a body cast is used to immobilize the hips and thighs of apatient to assist in the healing of bones, muscles and tendons. Bodycasts are typically used on children following surgery or a reduction tohold the hips in a position that facilitates bone growth. The casts maybegin at the chest and extend to cover both legs down to the toes orknee, or one leg down to the toes or knee and the other leg down to thehip or knee. A similar type of cast known as an abduction boot extendsfrom the upper thigh of each leg down to the foot.

Often, medical patient recordkeeping systems usually involve chartscontaining information relating to the treatment of the patient andpersonal identification systems such as medical patient wristbands wornby the medical patient to correlate the patient, the patient's records,and the patient's treatment. Providers of medical services have a stronginterest in maintaining accurate medical patient information in the mostefficient manner possible.

It is known in the art of medical patient recordkeeping to make printedadhesive labels for affixation to a medical patient's medical charts. Itis further well known to print wristbands for medical patients to wearfor identification. The making of such chart and wristband labels hashistorically been done by hand. With the advent of computers, the makingof chart labels became easier, especially where such chart labels couldbe printed on a single sheet of adhesive label paper on a computerprinter.

Other proposals have involved protecting the body with a cast andlabeling a medical patient. The problem with these systems is that theydo not provide both functions simultaneously. Even though the abovecited body cast and medical labeling systems meets some of the needs ofthe market, a system and method for donning and labeling a body cast toenable facilitated donning and informative labeling of a body cast; andwhereby the body cast is easily labeled with patient information, so asto provide the dual purpose of supporting the body and accessing patientinformation directly on the body of the patient, is still desired.

SUMMARY

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to asystem and method for donning and labeling a body cast. The system andmethod is configured to enable facilitated donning and informativelabeling of a body cast. The body cast is easily labeled with patientinformation, so as to provide the dual purpose of supporting the bodyand accessing patient information directly on the body of the patient.

The system and method provides a support wrap with an upper portion,wherein the upper portion of said the support wrap having a first sideextending along a first direction by a first length, the upper portionof said the support wrap having a second side extending along a seconddirection by a second length, the upper portion of said the support wraphaving a third side extending along a third direction by a third length,the first direction is in a different direction than the seconddirection, the first direction is in a different direction than thethird direction, the first length being greater than the second length,the first length being greater than the third length, the upper portionincluding a first upper fastening member, said first upper fasteningmember capable of fastening said second side to said third side, and theupper portion of said the support wrap having a fourth side extendingalong a fourth direction by a fourth length; a first lower portion; anda second lower portion, wherein the first lower portion extending fromthe fourth side and extending away from upper portion, and the secondlower portion extending from the fourth side and extending away fromupper portion.

In at least one embodiment, said first upper fastening member includes afirst hook and loop mechanism extending along the first direction.

In at least one embodiment, said first upper fastening member includes afirst hook and loop mechanism extending along the first direction, andsaid first hook and loop mechanism creates a handle in a case that thefirst hook and loop mechanism is fastened.

In at least one embodiment, said first upper fastening member includes afirst hook and loop mechanism extending along the first direction, and asecond upper fastening member includes a second hook and loop mechanismextending along the first direction.

In at least one embodiment, a second upper fastening member includes afirst hook and loop mechanism extending along the first direction, and athird upper fastening member includes a second hook and loop mechanismextending along the first direction.

In at least one embodiment, the first lower portion includes at least afirst lower fastening member.

In at least one embodiment, the first lower portion includes at least afirst lower fastening member, and the second lower portion includes atleast a second lower fastening member.

In at least one embodiment, the first lower portion includes at least afirst lower fastening member, the second lower portion includes at leasta second lower fastening member, the first lower fastening memberincludes a first hook and loop mechanism, and the second lower fasteningmember includes a second hook and loop mechanism.

In at least one embodiment, the upper portion having an inner surfaceand an outer surface, and the outer surface including the first upperfastening member.

In at least one embodiment, the first lower portion includes a firstlower fastening member, and the first lower portion includes a secondlower fastening member.

In at least one embodiment, the first lower portion includes a firstlower fastening member, the first lower portion includes a second lowerfastening member, the first lower fastening member includes a first hookand loop mechanism, and the second lower fastening member includes asecond hook and loop mechanism.

In at least one embodiment, the area of said first side is differentfrom the area of said second side.

The system and method provides a support wrap with an upper portion,wherein the upper portion of said the support wrap having a first sideextending along a first direction by a first length, the upper portionof said the support wrap having a second side extending along a seconddirection by a second length, the upper portion of said the support wraphaving a third side extending along a third direction by a third length,the first direction is in a different direction than the seconddirection, the first direction is in a different direction than thethird direction, the first length being greater than the second length,the first length being greater than the third length, the upper portionhaving an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surfaceincluding a first upper fastening member, said first upper fasteningmember capable of fastening said second side to said third side, and theupper portion of said the support wrap having a fourth side extendingalong a fourth direction by a fourth length; a first lower portion; asecond lower portion; a first transition portion; a second transitionportion; the first transition portion extending from the fourth side andextending away from upper portion, the first transition portion having afirst transition width, the second transition portion extending from thefourth side and extending away from upper portion, the second transitionportion having a second transition width, the first lower portionextending from the first transition portion and extending away fromupper portion, the first lower portion having a first lower width, thesecond lower portion extending from the first transition portion andextending away from upper portion, the second lower portion having asecond lower width, the first lower width and the second lower width aregreater than the first transition width and the second transition width,and the first length and the fourth length are greater than the firsttransition width, the second transition width, the first lower width andthe second lower width.

In at least one embodiment, the first lower portion includes at least afirst lower fastening member.

In at least one embodiment, the first lower portion includes at least afirst lower fastening member, and the second lower portion includes atleast a second lower fastening member.

In at least one embodiment, the first lower portion includes at least afirst lower fastening member, the second lower portion includes at leasta second lower fastening member, the first lower fastening memberincludes a first hook and loop mechanism, and the second lower fasteningmember includes a second hook and loop mechanism.

In at least one embodiment, the upper portion having an inner surfaceand an outer surface, and the outer surface including the first upperfastening member.

In at least one embodiment, the first lower portion includes a firstlower fastening member, and the first lower portion includes a secondlower fastening member.

In at least one embodiment, the first lower portion includes a firstlower fastening member, the first lower portion includes a second lowerfastening member, the first lower fastening member includes a first hookand loop mechanism, and the second lower fastening member includes asecond hook and loop mechanism.

In at least one embodiment, the area of said first side is differentfrom the area of said second side.

The system and method provides a protective body cast that forms paddedprotection around the body of a bedridden patient. The body cast mayenclose the lower torso and legs; and especially the hip, buttock, andlower extremity pressure points of the body. In one possible embodiment,the body cast consists of a nanomaterial, essentially serving as anenvelope for an inner lining of a softer material such as a compositefoam rubber.

In another embodiment, the body cast is sectioned into a multi-layeredenclosing cloth support wrap that is fabricated from a nanomaterial, aninner surface having padding, and at least one auxiliary padding thatdetachably attaches to the body cast for additional padding. At leastone label detachably attaches to the lower portion of the support wrap.The label is configured to help indicate personal and medicalinformation that is pertinent to the patient. In this manner, acaregiver may easily read and mark directly on the bedridden patient.

In one embodiment, the system and method for donning and labeling a bodycast to provide cushioning for a patient's body from waist to knee andaccess patient information, comprises:

-   -   a body cast including:        -   a cloth support wrap defined by a nanomaterial, the            nanomaterial including at least one of the following: nylon,            rayon and Dacron,        -   the cloth support wrap comprising an upper portion defined            by a plurality of upper free ends, the upper portion            operable to at least partially enclose a lower torso when            the plurality of upper free ends overlap, the upper portion            of the support wrap further being defined by a crotch            region,        -   the cloth support wrap further comprising a pair of lower            portions defined by a plurality of lower free ends, the pair            of lower portions operable to enclose a leg when the            plurality of lower free ends overlap;        -   an inner lining defined by a pliable foam rubber material,            the inner lining being coplanar to the support wrap, whereby            the inner lining helps cushion the lower torso and the legs;    -   at least one auxiliary padding detachably attachable to the body        cast, whereby the at least one auxiliary padding helps provide        cushioning for the lower torso and the legs;    -   a plurality of fasteners placed at predetermined locations on        the support wrap, the plurality of fasteners enabling closure of        the cloth support wrap around the lower torso and the legs; and    -   at least one label defined by a field, the field being sized and        dimensioned to enable marking information, the at least one        label detachably attachable to the upper portion, or the pair of        lower portions, or both of the support wrap.

In another aspect, the enclosing support wrap is fabricated of a lowfriction material.

In yet another aspect, the nanomaterial is selected from the groupconsisting of nylon, rayon and Dacron.

In yet another aspect, the nanomaterial comprises nanominerals infusedand crystalized into the nanomaterial.

In yet another aspect, the nanomaterial is water resistant, dirt free,odorless, anti-UV, and antibacterial.

In yet another aspect, the plurality of fasteners are a plurality ofhook and loop latches, each hook and loop latch having a hook tape and aloop tape of a predetermined size.

In yet another aspect, the loop tape is larger than the hook tape topermit adjustment of the size of the body cast, when it is wrappedaround a patient's body.

In yet another aspect, the upper portion of the support wrap comprises acrotch region that is sized to enable facilitated catherization andurination to the crotch.

In another aspect, the at least one label is a card.

In another aspect, the at least one label is configured to adhere to thepair of lower portions with an adhesive, a pin, or a hook and loopfastener.

In another aspect, the at least one label is disposed on the pair oflower portions, such that the patient does not have to be turned over toread and mark the at least one label.

In another aspect, the at least one label comprises a plurality offields for marking information pertinent to the patient, whereby theinformation includes at least one member selected from the groupconsisting of: a name of the bedridden patient, a time the patient waslast examined, and instructions from a caregiver.

One objective of the present invention is to envelop the lower torso andlegs in a protective body cast.

Another objective is to manufacture the body cast from a low frictionnanomaterial to enhance donning and comfort thereof.

Yet another objective is to provide various fasteners to secure the bodycast to the lower torso and legs.

Yet another objective is to provide an auxiliary padding to the cast tocushion the lower torso and legs.

Yet another objective is to provide at least one label that detachablyattaches to the body cast for reading information about a bedriddenpatient.

Yet another objective is to provide an inexpensive to manufacture bodycast,

Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be orbecome apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of thefollowing drawings and detailed description. It is intended that allsuch additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be includedwithin this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure,and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary system for donning and labeling abody cast, showing a body cast according to the present invention whileopen, illustrating the location of detachable extra padding to protectthe bony prominences of hip, buttock, and lower extremities, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the support wrap as it would appearwhen wrapped around a patient's body, cushioning bony prominences of thetorso, hips and upper portions of the legs, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of at least one label containing fields for markinginformation pertinent to the patient, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top angle perspective view of an inner side of analternative labeled protective enclosure body cast having a largercrotch region, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a top angle perspective view of an outer side of analternative labeled protective enclosure body cast having a largercrotch region, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 6A-6R illustrate perspective illustrations showing sequentialsteps for donning the labeled protective enclosure body cast, andmanipulating the patient once the body cast is donned, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart for an exemplary method for donning andlabeling a body cast, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the described embodiments or the application anduses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary”or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or“illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations. All of the implementationsdescribed below are exemplary implementations provided to enable personsskilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure andare not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is definedby the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “first,”“second,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,”and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented inFIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressedor implied theory presented in the preceding technical field,background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventiveconcepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions andother physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosedherein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expresslystate otherwise.

At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like referencenumerals are intended to identify the same structural elements,portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawingfigures, as may be further described or explained by the entire writtenspecification of which this detailed description is an integral part.The drawings are intended to be read together with the specification andare to be construed as a portion of the entire “written description” ofthis invention as required by 35 U.S.C. § 112.

In one embodiment of the present invention presented in FIGS. 1-7, asystem 100 and method for donning and labeling a body cast 130 enables aprotective and pliable envelope to be donned and labeled directly on apatient. In this manner, the body of the patient is enclosed in aprotective envelope for support and protection; and patient informationis easily accessible directly from the body cast. The body cast 130 ispliable so as to be easily donned onto the patient with minimal skillsand tools. The at least one label 120 that detachably attaches to theouter surface of the body cast. The label 120 may include pertinentpatient personal and medical information about the patient, medicalprovider, and medical facility serving the patient.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the system 100 is essentially a labeledprotective enclosure with labels. The system may include a body cast 130provides: 1) padded protection around the lower torso 400, legs 402 a,402 b, the hip, the buttock, and the lower extremity pressure points fora bedridden patient; 2) unique nanomaterial fabrication; and easilyaccessible detachable labeling that indicates patient information. Thelabeled protective enclosure body cast 130 is comprised of multiplelayers of nanomaterials and padding, that make up an enclosing supportwrap 102. The support wrap 102 may be fabricated from a nonwoven clothand comprises an inner surface 112 and an outer surface 124. The innersurface 112 engages the lower torso and legs, while the outer surface124 is generally visible when the body cast 130 is donned.

In one possible embodiment, the body cast 130 is sectioned into an upperportion 114 that encloses generally the lower torso region of the body;and a pair of lower portions 116 a-b that enclose, generally the legs.The upper and lower portions 114, 116 a-b are adjacent and abut eachother, or may integrate into each other.

In one embodiment, the body cast 130 is fabricated from a soft, pliable,nanomaterial that protects against moisture, odors, and bacteria. Atleast one label 120 provides a field that receives marking ofinformation 122 pertinent to the patient. The label 120 detachablyattaches to the lower portions 116 a-b on the support wrap 102 toprovide a caregiver easy access to patient information 122.

In other embodiments, the body cast 130 serves multiple purposes for abedridden patient and the caregiver who is monitoring and providingmedical care to the patient. The chief use is to protect the hip,buttock, and lower extremity pressure points from bruising. In additionto the padded composition of the support wrap 102, at least oneauxiliary padding 106 detachably attaches to the support wrap 102 tofurther enhance the padding effect. The padding effect is especiallyeffective after a patient has been bedridden for an excessive duration.

The body cast 130 is also unique in that it is substantially fabricatedsubstantially from a nanomaterial that is water resistant, dirt free,odorless, anti-UV, and antibacterial. The naonmaterial is infused andcrystalized with nanominerals 134 for optimal advantageous. Thenanomaterial is efficacious for helping a bedridden patient be moreprotected against normal bedridden problems, such as urine, soil, skinirritation, and spilling drinks and food.

The system 100 also provides at least one label 120 that detachablyattaches to the outer surface 124 of the support wrap 102. The label 120that enables facilitated access to a caregiver for reading and markinginformation 122 and updates that are pertinent to the patient. Theinformation may include the name of the bedridden patient, the time thebedridden patient was last examined, the date the patient was lastexamined, special instructions to and from a caregiver, informationabout the medical provider and the medical facility serving the patient.

In one exemplary embodiment of the system 100 for donning and labeling abody cast to provide cushioning for a patient's body from waist to kneeand access patient information, a body cast 130 is provided to encasethe lower torso 400 and legs 402 a-b of the patient. The body cast 130comprises a support wrap 102 and an inner lining 112. The support wrap102 is defined by a nanomaterial, the cloth support wrap 102 comprisingan upper portion 114 defined by a plurality of upper free ends.

The upper portion 114 is operable to at least partially enclose a lowertorso 400 when the plurality of upper free ends overlap. The clothsupport wrap 102 further comprises a pair of lower portions 116 a-bdefined by a plurality of lower free ends. The lower portion 116 a-b isoperable to enclose a leg when the plurality of lower free ends overlap.The body cast 130 further comprises an inner lining 112 that is definedby a soft pliable foam rubber material. The inner lining is enveloped bythe cloth support wrap 102. In this manner, the inner lining helpscushion the lower torso 400 and the legs 402 a-b.

The system 100 further comprises at least one auxiliary padding 106 thatis detachably attachable to the body cast 130. The auxiliary paddinghelps provide cushioning for the lower torso and the legs. A pluralityof fasteners 104 a-f are placed at predetermined locations on thesupport wrap 102. The fasteners enable closure of the cloth support wrap102 around the lower torso and the legs. The system 100 furthercomprises at least one label 120. The label 120 comprises a field formarking information 122. The label 120 is detachably attachable to theupper portion, or the pair of lower portions, or both of the supportwrap 102.

Looking at FIG. 1, the system 100 provides a body cast 130 that easilywraps around the torso 400 and legs 402 a-b of the patient from anopened, flat configuration. The body cast 130 is simply closed withadjustable hook and loop fastener latches, which facilitates proper fitand comfort. The body cast also is designed to provide an opening forurination or catheterization. For purposes of bathing or personalhygiene, the hook and loop fastener latches are released and theenclosure is opened to allow free access to the patient withoutdiscomfort.

The objects and advantages of such a flexible body cast are numerous. Inone embodiment, the body cast 130 enables the relief and removal ofpressure to the skin from bony prominences of the hip and buttock areas.In another embodiment, the body cast 130 allows for stimulation andcirculation for bedridden persons unable to move frequently. In anotherembodiment, the body cast 130 allows the patient to keep the skinprotected from abrasive materials such as starched sheets and mattresscovers and the residual laundry chemicals left on the sheets. In anotherembodiment, the body cast 130 allows a caregiver to maintain a record ofthe patient attached directly onto the leg area for easy reading andmarking. In another embodiment, the body cast 130 helps to protect abedridden patient against normal bedridden problems, such as urine,soil, skin irritation, and spilling drinks and food.

Further objects and advantages are to provide that the protectiveenclosing device be easily and conveniently opened and closed withminimal discomfort to the patient, which can increase muscular, skin andvascular tone through unrestricted blood circulation. Among otheradvantages, the present invention eliminates the need for rubber ringsor doughnuts that merely increase the pressure around bony prominences.

As shown in FIG. 1, the body cast has a support wrap 102 that forms anouter or foundation portion. The support wrap 102 may include a sturdy,flame-retardant, low-friction nanomaterial such as nylon to facilitateeasier movement on a bed surface by reducing drag friction. Suitablelow-friction nanomaterials may include, without limitation, Nylon, rayonand Dacron. These materials are also moisture-resistant and will retardthe absorption of any body fluids from the patient. Additionally, thenanomaterial is also flame-retardant in accordance with both OSHA andlocal safety regulations. In one alternative embodiment, thenanomaterial comprises nanominerals infused and crystalized into thenanomaterial. In yet another aspect, the nanomaterial is waterresistant, dirt free, odorless, anti-UV, and antibacterial.

In some embodiments, a plurality of fasteners 104 a-f are attached tothe support wrap 102 to facilitate opening and closing as well as allowfor adjustment to body size and patient comfort. In one embodiment, thefasteners 104 a-f include at least one hook and loop latches orfasteners.

At least one auxiliary padding 106 is also provided to be attached onthe support wrap 102 at locations of the body where extra padding isneeded to further cushion bony prominences of the patient. The auxiliarypadding may be detachable through various means, including hook and loopfasteners, buttons, pins, and magnets.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the body cast 130. The supportwrap 102 is closed around a patient's body. The fasteners 104 a-f allowthe device to be closed as firmly or as loosely as comfort dictates. Inone embodiment, the fasteners include a hook and loop latch having ahook tape 108 and a loop tape 110. Loop tape 110 is made larger in widththan tape 108 to permit adjustability and thereby fit the support wrapto the correct size for the patient. The dimensions of the presentinvention will vary with the size of the patient: small, medium, andlarge. The dimensions also accommodate variations in accordance withsex, age, and body measurements.

The outer support wrap 102 comprises an upper portion 114 defined by aplurality of upper free ends 126 a, 126 b. The upper portion 114 issized and dimensioned to enclose the lower torso of the patient's bodywhen the upper free ends 126 a-b overlap each other. In one embodiment,the upper portion forms a cylindrical shape when enclosed around thelower torso.

In addition to the upper portion 114, the support wrap 102 furthercomprising a pair of lower portions 116 a-b. The lower portions aredefined by a plurality of lower free ends 128 a, 128 b. The lowerportions 116 a-b further sized and dimensioned to enclose each leg ofthe patient's body when the plurality of lower free ends 128 a-b overlapeach other. In one embodiment, the lower portions 116 a-b may includetwo cylindrical shapes when enclosed around the legs.

Looking back at FIG. 2, at least one label 120 may detachably attach tothe support wrap 102 of the pair of lower portions 116 a-b. The label120 provides a field 132 for marking information 122 pertinent to caringfor the bedridden patient. The information 122 may include the name ofthe bedridden patient, the time the bedridden patient was last examined,and instructions from a caregiver. In one possible embodiment,illustrated in FIG. 3, the information 122 includes the name of thepatient, the hours the patient was visited, the data the patient wasvisited, notations from a caregiver, and the position of the caregiver.Fields are allowed for enabling marking on the label 120. It issignificant to note that the system 100 is unique in that the labels canbe changed to accommodate different conditions of the lower torso andlegs. For example, as the legs mend, the treatment or application ofpressure on the legs may be reduced.

The outer support wrap 102 also serves as an envelope for an innerlining 112. The inner lining 112 is the layer that engages the patient.The inner lining 112 may be fabricated from a softer material such as acomposite foam rubber. The inner lining 112 is soft and pliable,providing a cushioning effect to prevent hard contact between thepatient's bony prominences and bed or chair surfaces, and to allowinflamed areas of the patient's body to breathe and benefit from theincrease in blood circulation which is permitted to existing skinlesions or bed sores.

The manner of using the body cast 102 is simple and convenient for theattending health care provider or family member. The patient is placedon the opened device so that the lower body portion of the patient'storso is placed on the upper portion 114 of the support wrap. Thepatient is centered on upper portion 114 with the buttocks situatedalong the upper portion 114 and the legs overlying the lower portions116 a-b of the support wrap. The support wrap 102 is then closed andcovers the body from waist area to the knees with the inner liningprotecting and cushioning the hips bony prominences, buttocks, and upperparts of the legs and at the same time a crotch region 118 permitscatherization and urination.

When the support wrap 102 is closed, the upper portion 114 and lowerportions 116 a-b are held in place on the patient's body by thefasteners 104 a-f, such as hook and loop latches. The fasteners 104 a-fare adjusted for body size and patient comfort. Opening the support wrap102 is equally simple and easy by pulling the hook tape 108 and looptape 110 apart to free the overlapping edges of the support. Because thelow friction exterior material of the wrap 102 does not create dragfriction with the bed surface, the support wrap can be easily slid outfrom under the patient if removal is desired.

The present invention thus protects and supports the body easily andconveniently, can be closed and reopened as often as needed as treatmentor hygiene requires, and can be removed without discomfort to theindividual. The invention thus relieves pressure on skin andsubcutaneous tissue; prevents sensory loss, or absence of the patient'sawareness of pain and pressure; permits the supply of nutrients totissue cells, thus avoiding edema, by improved blood circulation which,in turn, aids the healing of existing ulcers or bed sores; andfacilitates increased activity by the patient because the device reducesor eliminates the discomfort of motion, allowing activity to therebyincrease muscular, skin, and vascular tone.

The present invention also provides at least one detachable label 120that is easy to access without having to turn over a patient. The labelhelps a care provider maintain better records on the patient withoutdisturbing the patient to turn over. Also, the label 120 is less likelyto get lost since it adheres directly to the support wrap 102. Thepresent invention is also fabricated from a nanomaterial that createsmany advantages that overcome the problems associated with beingbedridden.

FIG. 4 is a top angle perspective view of an inner side of analternative labeled protective enclosure body cast 200 having a largercrotch region 218. In this alternative version, the upper portion 214 ofthe support wrap still utilizes a crotch region configured to permitcatherization and urination. However, here, the crotch region 218 islarger to allow more field for the genitals and working around thegenitals. The lower portions 216 a, 216 b remain substantially the same.Also, the hook tape 208, loop tape 210, and fasteners 204 a-f extendlengthwise across the support wrap 202.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a top angle perspective view of an outer surface124 of the support wrap 102 is illustrated. Here it is shown that theauxiliary pad 206 extends from the upper portion 214. The auxiliary pad206 may also be integrated into the body cast 130 or the support wrap102 of the body cast. In any case, the auxiliary pad 206 providesadditional cushioning for the lower torso 400 and legs 402 a-b, so as tominimize bruising while handling the patient.

FIGS. 6A-6R illustrate perspective illustrations showing sequentialsteps of a method 600 for donning the labeled protective enclosure bodycast 130 on a patient and manipulating the patient once the body cast isdonned. FIG. 6A illustrates laying the body cast 130 on a bed under thepatient and folding one end of the support wrap 102 over to a second enduntil the fasteners align. FIG. 6B shows folding the opposite side ofthe support wrap 102 until the hook tape 108 and loop tape 110 align.FIG. 6C shows bringing the hook tape 108 across the patient's chest andfeeding it through the attached loop tape 110.

FIG. 6D illustrates pulling the hook tape 108 tight and pulling it backto seal with the loop tape 110. FIG. 6E shows performing the same hooktape 108 tightening with a second set of hook tape and loop tape. FIG.6F shows folding over a flap from one end of the lower portion 116 aover the upper right thigh and above the right knee. FIG. 6G showspulling the opposite flap to join with the first flap at the lowerportion 116 a.

FIG. 6H shows folding over a flap from one end of the lower portion 116b over the upper left thigh and above the left knee. FIG. 6I showspulling the opposite flap to join with the first flap at the lowerportion 116 b. FIG. 6J illustrates feeding the loop tape 108 from theother end of the lower portion 116 b through the loop and pullingsecurely, fastening it back on the loop tape 110. This junction betweenhook tape 108 and loop tape 110 creates a handle on each side of thepatient. The handle is efficacious for manipulating the patient.

FIG. 6K illustrates turning the patient to the right by placing thefingers in the handles created by the hook tape 108 and loop tape 110,and gently pulling. FIG. 6L illustrates turning the patient to the leftby placing the fingers in the handles created by the hook tape 108 andloop tape 110, and gently pulling. FIG. 6M shows assisting a patient tostand by gripping the handles on the sides and lifting. FIG. 6Nillustrates slowly assisting the patient in making necessary movementsto achieve a seated position.

FIG. 6O shows lowering the patient into a seat while still gripping thehandles. FIG. 6P illustrates how two caregivers can support the patient,with each caregiver grabbing a handle from the respective side of thepatient. FIG. 6Q shows how the body cast 130 can be constantly worn andused for facilitating movement to the bathroom. FIG. 6R illustrates thelabel 120 as a 24-hour monitoring sheet on each lower portion 116 a, 116b so that it can be viewed whether the patient is turned to the left orthe right.

Yet another means to don and label the body cast is exemplified in FIG.7, which illustrates a flowchart of a method 300 for donning andlabeling a body cast. In one embodiment, the method 300 includes aninitial Step 302 of laying a body cast on a bed, the body castcomprising support wrap having an upper portion that aligns with thelower torso, and a lower portion that aligns with the legs.

The method 300 may further comprise a Step 304 of folding a first freeend of the support wrap over a second free end around the lower torsoand the legs until a plurality of fasteners at the free ends align. Thesupport wrap 102 is pliable, and may be fabricated from rubber, so as toenable facilitated pulling in this manner. A Step 306 includes fasteningthe fasteners to form a snug fit around the lower torso and the legs.

In some embodiments, a Step 308 comprises applying at least one label tothe outer surface of the body cast. The label may include an adhesivethat allows for interchanging labels as the condition of the lower torsoand legs changes. A Step 310 includes marking information about thepatient on the at least one label 120. The label provides fields 132that enable marking of pertinent information. In some embodiments, aStep 312 may include reading the at least one label, whereby theinformation helps a caregiver provide assistance to the patient.

A final Step 314 includes applying a second label over the at least onelabel as the condition of the lower torso and legs change. The method300 is unique in that multiple labels can be changed to accommodatedifferent conditions of the lower torso and legs. For example, as thelegs mend, the treatment or application of pressure on the legs may bereduced.

Although the process-flow diagrams show a specific order of executingthe process steps, the order of executing the steps may be changedrelative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or moreblocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partialconcurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted fromthe process-flow diagrams for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments,some or all the process steps shown in the process-flow diagrams can becombined into a single process.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalence.

I claim:
 1. A support wrap comprising: an upper portion, wherein theupper portion of said the support wrap having a first side extendingalong a first direction by a first length, the upper portion of said thesupport wrap having a second side extending along a second direction bya second length, the upper portion of said the support wrap having athird side extending along a third direction by a third length, thefirst direction is in a different direction than the second direction,the first direction is in a different direction than the thirddirection, the first length being greater than the second length, thefirst length being greater than the third length, the upper portionincluding a first upper fastening member, the upper portion including asecond upper fastening member, said first upper fastening member capableof fastening said second side to said third side, said second upperfastening member capable of fastening said second side to said thirdside, and the upper portion of said the support wrap having a fourthside extending along a fourth direction by a fourth length; a firstlower portion having at least a first lower length wherein the firstlower portion length extends along the first direction; and a secondlower portion having at least a second lower length wherein the secondlower portion length extends along the first direction, wherein thefirst lower portion extending from the fourth side and extending awayfrom upper portion, the second lower portion extending from the fourthside and extending away from upper portion, said first upper fasteningmember includes a first upper hook and loop mechanism extending alongthe first direction, said second upper fastening member includes asecond upper hook and loop mechanism extending along, the firstdirection, said first upper hook and loop mechanism creates a firstupper handle in a case that the first upper hook and loop mechanism isfastened, said second upper hook and loop mechanism creates a secondupper handle in a case that the second upper hook and loop mechanism isfastened, the first lower portion includes a first lower fasteningmember and a first lower hook and loop mechanism, the second lowerportion includes a second lower fastening member and a second lower hookand loop mechanism, the first lower hook and loop mechanism extendingalong the first direction wherein the first lower hook and loopmechanism having a first lower hook and loop mechanism length extendingalong the first direction, the second lower hook and loop mechanismextending along the first direction wherein the second lower hook andloop mechanism having a second lower hook and loop mechanism lengthextending along the first direction, the first lower hook and loopmechanism length is greater than the first lower portion length, thesecond lower hook and loop mechanism length is greater than the secondlower portion length, said first lower hook and loop mechanism creates afirst lower handle in a case that the first lower hook and loopmechanism is fastened, and said second lower hook and loop mechanismcreates a second lower handle in a case that the second lower hook andloop mechanism is fastened.
 2. The support wrap according to claim 1,wherein the area of said first side is different from the area of saidsecond side.
 3. The support wrap according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a first transition portion; and a second transition portion,wherein the first lower portion extending from the fourth side via thefirst transition portion, the second lower portion extending from thefourth side via the second transition portion, the first transitionportion extending from the fourth side and extending away from upperportion, the first transition portion having a first transition width,the second transition portion extending from the fourth side andextending away from upper portion, the second transition portion havinga second transition width, the first lower portion having a first lowerwidth, the second lower portion having a second lower width, the firstlower width and the second lower width are greater than the firsttransition width and the second transition width, and the first lengthand the fourth length are greater than the first transition width, thesecond transition width, the first lower width and the second lowerwidth.
 4. The support wrap according to claim 1, wherein at least oneauxiliary padding detachably attachable to the support wrap.
 5. Thesupport wrap according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of auxiliarypadding detachably attachable to the support wrap.
 6. The support wrapaccording to claim 1, wherein at least one auxiliary padding detachablyattachable to the upper portion.
 7. The support wrap according to claim1, wherein a plurality of auxiliary padding detachably attachable to theupper portion.
 8. The support wrap according to claim 1, wherein thefirst upper hook and loop mechanism length is greater than the firstlength, and the second upper hook and loop mechanism length is greaterthan the first length.
 9. A support wrap comprising: an upper portion,wherein the upper portion of said the support wrap having a first sideextending along a first direction by a first length, the upper portionof said the support wrap having a second side extending along a seconddirection by a second length, the upper portion of said the support wraphaving a third side extending along a third direction by a third length,the first direction is in a different direction than the seconddirection, the first direction is in a different direction than thethird direction, the first length being greater than the second length,the first length being greater than the third length, the upper portionhaving an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surfaceincluding a first upper fastening member, the upper portion including asecond upper fastening member, said first upper fastening member capableof fastening said second side to said third side, said second upperfastening member capable of fastening said second side to said thirdside, and the upper portion of said the support wrap having a fourthside extending along a fourth direction by a fourth length; a firstlower portion; a second lower portion; a first transition portion; asecond transition portion; the first transition portion extending fromthe fourth side and extending away from upper portion, the firsttransition portion having a first transition width, the secondtransition portion extending from the fourth side and extending awayfrom upper portion, the second transition portion having a secondtransition width, the first lower portion extending from the firsttransition portion and extending away from upper portion, the firstlower portion having a first lower width, the second lower portionextending from the first transition portion and extending away fromupper portion, the second lower portion having a second lower width, thefirst lower width and the second lower width are greater than the firsttransition width and the second transition width, the first length andthe fourth length are greater than the first transition width, thesecond transition width, the first lower width and the second lowerwidth, said first upper fastening member includes a first upper hook andloop mechanism extending along the first direction, said second upperfastening member includes a second upper hook and loop mechanismextending along the first direction, said first upper hook and loopmechanism creates a first upper handle in a case that the first upperhook and loop mechanism is fastened, said second upper hook and loopmechanism creates a second upper handle in a case that the second upperhook and loop mechanism is fastened, the first lower portion includes afirst lower fastening member and a first lower hook and loop mechanism,the second lower portion includes a second lower fastening member and asecond lower hook and loop mechanism the first lower hook and loopmechanism extending along the first direction wherein the first lowerhook and loop mechanism having a first lower hook and loop mechanismlength extending along the first direction, the second lower hook andloop mechanism extending along the first direction wherein the secondlower hook and loop mechanism having a second lower hook and loopmechanism length extending along the first direction, the first lowerhook and loop mechanism length is greater than the first lower portionlength, the second lower hook and loop mechanism length is greater thanthe second lower portion length, said first lower hook and loopmechanism creates a first lower handle in a case that the first lowerhook and loop mechanism is fastened, and said second lower hook and loopmechanism creates a second lower handle in a case that the second lowerhook and loop mechanism is fastened.
 10. The support wrap according toclaim 9, wherein the area of said first side is different from the areaof said second side.
 11. The support wrap according to claim 9, whereinat least one auxiliary padding detachably attachable to the supportwrap.
 12. The support wrap according to claim 9, wherein a plurality ofauxiliary padding detachably attachable to the support wrap.
 13. Thesupport wrap according to claim 9, wherein at least one auxiliarypadding detachably attachable to the upper portion.
 14. The support wrapaccording to claim 9, wherein a plurality of auxiliary paddingdetachably attachable to the upper portion.
 15. The support wrapaccording to claim 9, wherein the first upper hook and loop mechanismlength is greater than the first length, and the second upper hook andloop mechanism length is greater than the first length.